New Mexico Marijuana Legalization Bill Advances Through House Committee With 3 to 1 Vote

New Mexico’s House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee has voted 3 to 1 to advance a measure to legalize recreational cannabis.

According to a legislative synopsis for the proposal (sponsored by State Representatives Bill McCamley and Javier Martinez); “House Bill 89 enacts the Cannabis Revenue and Freedom Act (CRFA); which establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for the legal production, processing and sale (to persons 21 years of age and older) of industrial hemp, marijuana and marijuana items”.

It must now go through two more committees before being sent to a vote in the full House. It’s passage in the House would send it to the Senate; passage there would put it to the desk of Governor Susana Martinez for final consideration.

“This is the one thing we can do this year that will instantly inject a massive amount of money into our economy and create jobs right away;” says Representative McCamley.

According to poll released just a few months ago by the Albuquerque Journal; 61% of voters in the state support legalizing cannabis, with just 34% opposed.

Anthony Martinelli

Anthony is co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of TheJointBlog. He has worked closely with numerous elected officials who support cannabis law reform, including as the former Campaign Manager for King County (WA) Councilmember Dave Upthegrove. He has been published by multiple media outlets, and is a former contributor for Village Voice Media.